Washington insurance rate increases proposed

SEATTLE — The companies that sell health insurance to individuals in Washington state are proposing rate increases that average 8.25 percent.

The state insurance commissioner says the average price hike, which would take effect both inside and outside of the state health exchange, is the lowest in seven years.

The plans and their rate proposals are under review by the state. Seventeen health insurance companies have filed proposals for more than 230 individual health plans across Washington. Some are new to the market.

The proposed rate increases go as high as 14 and 26 percent, for plans outside Washington Healthplanfinder.

One company, Molina Healthcare, has proposed a rate decrease of 6.8 percent.